You’re staring at another $200 vet bill and wondering if skipping a month of flea, tick, or heartworm meds will really matter.

• Your dog barely goes outside.
•  Your cat’s never seen a flea.
•  And those preventatives are not cheap.

But what if that one skipped dose turns into a $3,000 emergency—or worse?

In this episode, I’m joined by veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins to cut through the fear, guilt, and confusing pet care advice about parasite prevention. We’re talking flea meds, tick risks, heartworm horror stories, and how to protect your pets without flushing your money down the drain.

If you’ve ever asked, “Do I really need to do this year-round?”, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL FIND OUT:
• When skipping a dose is no big deal, and when it could be deadly
• How your pet’s lifestyle, your location, and even your backyard shape real parasite risks
• How to protect your pet and your wallet without falling for fear-based sales tactics or bad advice from well-meaning friends

Because no one wants to be the pet parent who tries to save $15 on pet care and ends up with a $3,000 regret.

CONNECT WITH DR. LINDA ATKINS
Valley Cottage Animal Hospital, Valley Cottage, NY

OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
• Companion Animal Parasite Council – https://www.petsandparasites.org/
• American Heartworm Society – https://www.heartwormsociety.org/

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Pet parenting is tough, but this show delivers expert pet advice and solutions for real pet parenting struggles. Each week, we share pet care on a budget tips and pet saving hacks to help you stretch every dollar, whether it’s pet cost hacks for vet bills and pet food, or simple ways to make training and daily care easier. You’ll get dog training and behavior advice, cat care insights, and practical pet advice for everything from litter box issues to keeping multi-pet homes peaceful. We cover pet budgeting, managing pet behavior, stress-free vet visits, and home cleaning that actually works with pets. Follow for the support you need to stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets.

Contact: Amy@petparenthotline.com ©Ⓟ 2025 Amy Castro